(Pissed Off) Ramblins from the Grassy Knoll

kitchen remodel

2011-01-17T10:37:00.000-08:00

this is what the kitchen looked like in 2006 and after a bit of paint and some new lighting

and now our brand new, really nice kitchen

and with this, hopefully we're done with remodeling

Thanksgiving

2010-11-30T16:51:00.000-08:00

our fabulous hosts. thanks more than I can ever express!

wish Jonathan could have been there

look at Bea's great-grandson, Duncan, smile

best friends

just moments before Luke had his head immersed in the dog's water bowl

DeDe with her granddaughter, Emma

a truly wonderful time. Katie and John were the most fabulous hosts and gave our entire (sorry Jonathan) family an opportunity to gather and enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday. particularly getting to know the granchillren. some pics below: well maybe above. not too good with this adding pics

more Olympics

2010-03-01T09:59:00.000-08:00

An absolutely fabulous trip. Everyone was having a grand time, particularly the Canadian. But at the same time, everybody was most respectful of the other teams and were quick to cheer along at any good move, score, etc. It was just 1 big, happy festival.

The curling finals were great. We started out cheering on the Norwegians as any who wore pants that outrageous deserved to be cheered. But as the game went on, we got caught up with all the excitement on the Canadians. Had great seats high up and in the middle. The guy sitting next to us was a curler from another town who had attended numerous curling events and said we had the best seats to see all the action. He was also most helpful explaining a lot. Very friendly which may have been due to the 7 or 8 beers. the place went crazy at the end (I can only imagine what reaction was after the hockey game.)

However, the highlight was the medal ceremony. the Mounties marched out with the flags which were attached to the bar. After the medals were handed out, the flags went up while the Canadian anthem was played. At least I think it was played as everyone was singing at the top of their lungs.

Vancouver was a great city with plenty of good restaurants. We ate at 2: Blue Water and Le Crocodile. Both were excellent, great service and food. Credit card was smoking though when we left. Should have known as the valets were parking 2 Bentley's @ Crocodile. But what the hell, it was the Olympics after all.

a few pics here and will post the album on Facebook page

olympics 2010

2010-02-26T09:08:00.000-08:00

We are now in Vancouver BC for the winter Olympics. this trip was a Christmas present from Debbie. we have tickets for the men's curling finals on Saturday. staying in a condo in the middle of downtown and spent the day yesterday afternoon walking around. a good day as it wasn't raining and there were tons of people around. all sorts of dialects, musicians and exhibits. there is a zip line that runs for 2 city blocks with those zipping screaming the whole way. we walked to the cauldron and had to wait for 30 minutes to get to the viewing stand but great people watching. the buildings are peppered with Canadian flags hanging from balconies, and we heard the entire city explode when the Canadian women won the gold. had a great dinner last night (know that some of you are surprised to learn that) at Blue Water Cafe. Jonathan would have been most impressed as we had a great wine in the funkiest decanter I've ever seen (sorry no pic) - it was two feet tall and we were afraid to touch it. we met the sommelier who was voted best in the city last year.

raining today and not sure what we will be seeing but hopefully will have some comments tomorrow and some pics

steamboat

2010-01-21T08:30:00.000-08:00

am spending a week in Steamboat. most enjoyable. here with our good friends, Jane & Bill Morton. skiing for me is out as feet don't seem to work anymore. horseback riding yesterday and attaching a few pics. also 1 pic of Debbie at the petting zoo @ the cowboy downhill

malta

2009-10-06T02:35:00.000-07:00

today we are in Malta. haven't gone ashore as yet. our excursion, a taste for Malta, doesn't begin for another 1 1/2 hours. we were at sea all day yesterday. a most welcome relief. the sky and sea are so blue, it's almost magical.

Sat we were at Rhodes. it was OK. I was a bit nervous about climbing down the 300 steps from the Acropolis there so Debbie and I walked the city of Lindos. very nice and saw an interesting pic of a breakfast item. (Jennie will get a kick out of this pic).

then Sunday to Santorini. didn't have a scheduled excursion and John Baird, Katie & John Schumacher (Louise was a bit under the weather, too much rich food I suspect)went and walked on our own. what a town and even more spectacular was the view, incredible! 3 ways up the 1,100 feet almost straight up to the city; walk, John Baird; tram, nobody and donkey. yes the rest of us were on our respective asses. the ship's brochure described the donkeys as nasty, smelly beasts; but on we went, a few more pics are included.

we had lunch, 2 bottles of wine. Katie and Baird had beer. the view was breathtaking and pics and words fail to describe it properly. a trip back definitely in order. only Debbie took the tram down as the rest walked. there was no way in hell we were going to take those donkeys down!

tomorrow is Mt Aetna and Thurs, Capri. Friday we then go on to Venice while Mother and Daddy fly home.

so far a fabulous trip with more to come

egypt

2009-10-03T01:56:00.000-07:00

Alexandria and Cairo were amazing. weather was great but knowing that in July and Aug when it's easily well into the 100's would have been unbearable. lots of history that's really, really old. and I'm talking 2500-2000 b.c. Now that's old!

Alex is without doubt the filthiest place I've ever seen. and squalor, unbelievable. traffic was horrendous as took quite a long while to get out of town. the countryside (about 3.5 hours to Cairo) was equally as amazing.

Cairo, about 17-18mm people, was incredible. particularly after we got to the hotel, the Four Seasons (Debbie said that she was never leaving.) rooms looked out over the Nile. Food was fantastic; and you will not be a bit surprised that the drink has been delicious. had to try the water pipe (Walt will appreciate). had the apple flavor, which was surprisingly mild (a pic should be attached) John Schumacher had the peach which he said was terrible!

we went to the pyramids and Sphinx. also very old. have included a few pics. and yes, we did ride a camel. a pic is also included. now we all look all smiles but let me tell you that was not always the case.!. will have to describe that more in detail later.

have also attached pic of the Sphinx.

this has been an incredible experience and we have all thoroughly enjoyed it and each other's company.

tried to post yesterday but couldn't upload pics. probably more tomorrow as all day at sea. interestingly enough have not even opened kindle.

cruise

2009-09-30T06:50:00.000-07:00

has been great so far. the flights were easy and able to sleep quite a bit on plane. weather has been fabulous and seeing things never thought would have had opportunity to see. had pocket picked outside of the Acropolis. guide had been a soldier who had some police training. he said they would only take cash as the credit cards were too hard to use. they would then leave the wallets around holes in the walls. we filed a police report and before we knew it, wallet with cards were found. gladly gave up the cash for the other things. elieve me, jack had never tasted so good that eve.

Mother and Daddy's suite is amazing. at least as big as our video room. i hope I've attached a pic which really doesn't do it justice. needless to say, we can all comfortably sit and enjoy a beverage or a bunch of beverages and nibbilies brought by John, the butler.

I also have tried to attach a copy of all of us at the top of the acropolis.

tomorrow off to alexandria and then cairo. hope to post more after that trip.

have to sign off now as time to get dressed for cocktails. man this is rough!

tagged

2008-04-24T10:35:00.000-07:00

Well been sometime. And would probably continued if my wonderful daughter hadn't gotten tagged. and she got tagged by our wonderful daughter-in-law.

Have to admit that I'm feeling quite festive, being tagged and all. Think this is some new age kinda thing. One who is tagged must respond on his blog. Hell, I may even get a myfaceplacespace thingy. Then again, maybe not.

At any rate, here I go

What was I doing 10 years ago? Man, I cannot remember 10 minutes ago much less 10 years. We were living in Charlotte. Jennie was @ Auburn. Joseph getting ready to graduate from high school. I was working @ Suntrust (ugh) and Debbie @ Cedalion (tough). Mark had, or was getting ready, to ask for Jennie's hand in marriage (good boy!). Thinking about getting a new jeep so could give Joseph mine. I don't think we had traded that pig of a Jaguar as yet. Prettiest car I ever had but, man, what a piece of.....

5 things on my to do list today
1. run errands. My usual deal, grocery, bank
2. kickboxing
3. recover and this one takes care of the last 2

5 snacks I enjoy. anything that goes with Jack Daniels
1. pretzels and cheese
2. olives
3. spicy 3 pepper hummas
4. smoked salmon
5. baby carrots and ranch dressing (trying to get healthy)

5 things I would do if I were a billionaire...
1. give a bunch of $ to kids
2. give a bunch to my sisters
3. set up 2 charitable foundations. 1 for children (any purpose) 2. for children health
4. buy vacation homes. big enough for lots of visitors. beach house, ski house.
5. travel all over on a private jet. and do the cruising thing. visit Amara & Clifford in Phuket (will do that anyway)

5 bad habits...awww hell no. this could take some time
1. stubborn. pig headed.
2. road rage. guess Jennie does come by it honestly.
3. judgemental
4. eat way too much
5. there are those who say I drink too much. and to those, I say... see # 1

5 places I have lived
1. 3600 Abbott Martin, Nashville, TN (parents house. they still live there)
2. 2800 Abbott Martin, Nashville (grandparents house. lived in the apt over the garage which was subsequently remodeled)
3. Dallas, TX man that place was hot.
4. 605 N. Pine ST., Charlotte, NC 4th Ward. great neighbors. 2 doors down from AlMikes (a fabulous pub)
5. 432 209th Ave NE, Sammamish, WA. now this is the deal.

5 jobs I have had...
1. Davis Cabinet Co. Sanded bleach off furniture as it came out of furnace.
2. Repo man. First American summers during college. chased around front yard by a rather large woman carrying a kitchen knife while trying to get her son's car.
3. Investment manager First American
4. bond salesman, # of shops
5. sales Curtiswood Capital

there you have it. would reach out for others if I knew who had a blog.

Pissed offedness will return

2007-11-07T14:46:00.000-08:00

Time for a new blog don't you think?

Many topics, many topics.

The Seattle Port Authority not allowing Christmas trees so as not to offend anyone? "We're here to promote peace and harmony." Quote from the deputy managing director of the airport. There will be decorations this year, trees, fabrics and garlands, but nothing with religious ties. The displays will "reflect the Pacific Northwest environment and our diverse community." "We want our passengers to have a sense of celebration and comfort as they travel through our airport."

Just for those "green" rascals. The display will be made from recyclable cardboard tubes, biodegradable cotton material and acrylic ice.

Now I'm at peace and in harmony. Pissed off though.

Oops not so fast.

What about the North Carolina man who found an amputated leg in his smoker? (Wonder how Crawdaddy would feel if he found that in one of his grills?) He refused to return it as he wanted to build a museum and charge $10 for people to view the limb.

The leg belonged to a fellow who had it amputated after a 2004 airplane accident. He put it in the smoker which was kept in a rented storage space. The contents of that space were auctioned when the bill wasn't paid. No clue as to why he put it there to begin with.

Now I'm not sure which one of the fools is a bigger idiot. So much for peace and harmony.

Oh, by the way, this dispute was settled by a TV judge in favor of the amputee. Maybe a tad of peace and harmony.

What about this?

The man who had his girlfriend arrested for assault. She bit his bottom lip off while they were kissing. The lip was found on the floor but was, sadly, not able to be reattached. (John Boy and Billy's Lipless now has serious competition.) No clue as to how this has turned out. Not sure I really care.

No peace and harmony there.

And finally.

I've been on jury duty this week. Haven't been chosen yet which is not too surprising. But after observing the potential jurors and listening to their questions, I hope none of us has to be judged by these "peers".

While leaving the courthouse today, I stopped in the men's room. After standing in line for a few minutes, my turn arrived. OK no problem, but then in the occupied stall next to me, a cell phone rang and was answered. A conversation (seemed like a business call but couldn't be sure; makes no difference) ensued as if no one else was around and continued after I had flushed. Kinda made me want to flush many, many more times but there was a line behind me.

Now that's just not right! People please think about your surroundings before answering a damn cell phone!

You'd think one could find some semblence of peace and harmony in a restroom.

Guess I'm just going to have to meander up to the grassy knoll for peace and harmony!

various ramblins

2007-10-18T13:58:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile. Just not in the mood to get lathered up lately, not even about the guy who discovered a leg in the grill he'd purchased and refused to return it to the guy who put it in there. But just spend a few hours on our interstate system, and that'll do the trick.

Of course, I write about those who think the left lane is their private lane for driving. Did they ever notice or care about the signs that indicate that "slower traffic keep right"? Guess not, or then again maybe they don't think they are slow, dumb and stupid.

In years past, I drove to work at a time in the early morning when there was no traffic (and I mean no traffic). People would actually get onto the interstate at that time, automatically get in the left lane and drive the speed limit with no one else around. I guess it was to get into the proper lane for the exit 5-7 miles ahead (which in their defense was to the left).

I as always taught to get around the car I was passing as quickly as possible. Around being the key word here. That means, pass and get back into your original lane. If passing a number of cars (or just 1), don't drive to the point of significantly slowing those behind you in that lane. Get up to a decent speed (OK maybe not 100, but you know what I mean), get AROUND em and GET OVER. What's difficult about that?

There was a minivan in the left lane last week, doing about 70, maybe 75 downhill, maybe 60 uphill). Had a bunch of cars behind who were slowly advancing by passing on the right. Took a bunch of miles, and I got my chance. Went around, noticed that the driver was on a cell phone (more about that later), got really puckered, rolled down the window and showed a gesture of my dissatisfaction. I hope those following me gave the same gesture as no effort was made to get to the right lane, in spite of no one in that lane.

The best comment I ever heard is from Fierce Chipmunk Hunter who has stated that anybody who gets passed in the right lane should have their license revoked. Doesn't matter if you're doing 100 or not. Away it goes!

Now to this cell phone business. I have nothing against using the phone while you're driving but you damn well better be paying attention to what you're doing. And if you ain't, I hope you don't hurt anybody else when you roll the car, rear-end, side-swipe, or wipe-out somebody else. And that you get an ass-buster of a ticket. (And I'm not, at this time, going to discuss the inappropriateness of using a cell phone in a restroom. Maybe never as this is just wrong, wrong, wrong.)

And to the people who leave shopping carts in the parking lots. Are you just too damn lazy and inconsiderate to walk, at most, a few more yards to put the thing in an appropriate spot. I've even questioned some with that very statement. Sadly only to receive a blank stare or "I found it here" from the woman putting her infant in the car seat while leaving one of those car-like carts smack in the middle of the parking spot next to her. I actually got a "yes" from one.

Come on people, let's all get a bit more considerate and think of others while driving, yaking on a cell phone or abandoning a shopping cart.

This just in. A newspaper columnist expressing surprise, SURPRISE that his senator voted for some pork project. Seems that she was voting for boats that neither the Navy nor Coast Guard wanted. Did, however, go to a company whose executives had made campaign contributions. I think this columnist needs to come to grip with the real world.

Enough ramblins for the time being. Until later

we elect these people for this????????????

2007-09-25T12:00:00.000-07:00

In the "you're kidding, right?" category. By the way this was on the FRONT page of the newspaper.

The city council voted to allow miniature goats to be kept as pets. Due to the tireless efforts of the "Goat Justice League (who can make this up?), their attributes as human companion, milk maker and "weed whacker" justified the unanimous vote. The councilman who sponsored this vital legislation was quoted " one small step for man, one giant leap for goatkind."

Here's the deal: A local resident and "outlaw" goat owner, president of the Goat Justice League (still cannot get over this), a distinguished group of 100 members sought this change in the old law after her neighbor alerted the city and complained. During a hearing, testimony was presented by "animal lovers, advocates of urban sustainability and children". (you know I can see animal lovers, but children???? And I'm not even going to go there on those advocates. Advocates of WHAT exactly?)

Well after, I'm sure, much debate, thought and deliberation, this was approved as long as the goats are licensed and dehorned. (Who wants a horny, old goat running around? Couldn't pass that one up!) IN ADDITION, male goats have to be neutered (good idea for the continuation of the species) as they give off a rather musky scent which some find offensive (hurray for the anti-musky goat smellin league). They also have to be kept on a leash to protect park vegetation and sidewalk gardens, but they can be lent to others for grazing purposes.

It's good to know that our elected officials are SO busy with these weighty matters. Holding hearings and what-not. Don't want to waste valuable time and effort with more mundane topics as EDUCATION, INFRASTRUCTURE and such.

But not to be outdone, another councilman wanted to grab the spotlight as he proclaimed "Why stop there? Why not sheep, llamas...? I think there is an argument that there are greater heights to be achieved with urban sustainability."

Now these guys are showing serious political potential! They should definitely try for a more national position! But then again, why replace the fine ones' we have now?

Have a nice day!

idiocy rum amok

2007-09-21T12:55:00.000-07:00

What about this? 3 in 3 days. Must be something in the wind. Normally I don't get too pissed off on a Friday as generally think it's poor form but this caught my eye (and ire).

There was an article in the Washington Post regarding TSA (you know those folks at airport security check-ins) taking a closer look at travelers' mannerisms. It seems that they have been using a sneaky, dastardly approach to screening. That is studying facial expressions and behavior. Oh the horror!

The TSA intends to have about 1,000 screeners (why not all of em?) trained in this technique by year's end. This involves the art of observing slight facial movements (among others) to indicate that a person is lying. Maybe a good way to spot some criminal behavior?

Since Jan 06 (that's about 21 months for those somewhat challenged), they have referred 40,000 for extra screening. Of that amount nearly 300 have been arrested for such crimes as carrying concealed weapons, drug trafficking and illegal immigration. (Don't say how many potential terrorists, don't care.)

Well wouldn't you just know that this practice has gotten the civil libertarians and some politicians all in a lather. Privacy rights, racial and ethnic profiling are at stake here. Now hearings in Congress are going to be held. (Doesn't that make you sleep better at night?)

A comment to those blithering idiots all worked up: GET A GRIP! (That's a bit on the subdued side as my Mother may read this, and I don't want her to think her baby boy is capable of such language.)

I got it. Maybe the TSA should pass out a questionnaire asking if you are a lying, no-good terrorist (gun-totin crook, crack head or any other moron); and if so, please check the appropriate box. Don't pay any attention that I'm sweating through my clothes, have a nervous tick and after staring at any security personnel, quickly look away after noticed. Hey, I'm just going to visit my dear, old, sick great-grandmother (aunt, uncle, dog, hamster, whatever).

Just as long as you don't offend anybody! What difference does it make if the plane goes down anyway? Just a few people killed, no big deal. But heaven, forbid offend anybody!

As an aside, testing is going on to see through clothing with Superman-like vision. Ain't that something. I pity the poor rascal who looks at my image.

And with that, have a good weekend! Maybe enjoy a brown liquor drink!

various ramblins

2007-09-20T10:33:00.000-07:00

A friend called earlier and wanted to know what I thought about the Iranian president laying a wreath at Ground Zero. Told her that I thought it was fine as long as the wreath was made out of explosive materials. Or that the vehicle in which he was riding hit a road-side bomb manufactured in Iran.

Actually, I was not aware that he was attending a meeting at the UN. Now that's an august body that should be dropped into the sea. Anybody read anything positive that the UN has accomplished lately? Or for that matter, ever?

On another unrelated matter. I haven't really read much about the "Jena 6" so I'm not qualified to render an opinion. However, any occasion that has drawn Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson and their like should immediately be dismissed and ignored. I'm convinced that they have done more harm for race relations in the past 25-30 years than anybody. Even more than the NAACP.

Don't you just hope that OJ gets life? And that's enough on that subject.

And with that, good day!

not all that pissed off

2007-09-19T10:38:00.000-07:00

Been away for a bit. Doing some really enjoyable stuff and don't have a tremendous axe to grind on the pissed off scale. (Am sure that will change in the days ahead though)

Even the air travel wasn't enough to get me started (that'll damn sure change).

Having kids and grandchildren around was absolutely fabulous. And the older they get keeps the festiveness going. Disappointed that it wasn't longer but will take what I can get.

It's truly wonderful watching the little ones' faces as they observe the goings on around them. Even the smallest, most simplistic item can produce such an intense focus. And the excitement they show cannot help but put a huge smile on your face.

And the enjoyment watching the kids' interaction and fascination with their children is outstanding. They are to be complimented with the job they're doing.

To add to the syrupiness, we are blessed that the kids have married the most delightful, fun, supportive, thankful, and a bunch of other accolades, spouses. Thank you (and your parents) for who you are.

Didn't think I was going to go all out and not have the least bit of pissed off ramblins, huh?

Enough of the whining: UT fans who think Florida ran up the score. (didn't play too good, huh?) Donovan McNabb on the additional scrutiny that black qb's receive (didn't you just get beat by a team with a black qb?) And last, but not least, -Americans. (if you were born in the US, you are an AMERICAN)

Enough for today, more at a later date.

out of control

2007-08-29T12:57:00.000-07:00

There are a few topics that can fall under this category. The beauty queen contestant in South Carolina who horribly flubbed the question about why 20% of Americans can't locate the US on a map. The Idaho Senator's arrest of lewd behavior. The "diaper-free" movement (no pun intended). The obesity rates increasing in 31 states.

This ramblin originates from Seattle, WA. Last week, the local newspaper evidently ran a photo of 2 men on a ferry (the picture was taken by the captain.) who were acting suspiciously. The FBI was requesting assistance in identifying and locating them for questioning. The article made no reference as to the nationality, race or religious preference. The photo was clear, however, that the men were of middle-eastern descent.

To most of the security conscious and concerned citizenry, this was a most logical and efficient means of law enforcement's requesting aid. The captain of the vessel was concerned enough to take a photo, for pity's sake. By the way, no mention of the captain's nationality, race or religious preference was made.

This dastardly deed sure seemed to pucker up the Arab and Muslim-American leaders in this community. (Well boo, the damn, who!) (Nothing like a little racial profiling accusation to get the juices flowing.) They want the FBI to apologize for not consulting them before running the photo. Oh the insensitivity.

First of all, I'd be interested in knowing how those leaders knew the 2 men were Muslim? They could have been converted Catholics or even Jews. How can one tell by a photo? That's some unbelieveable anaylsis.

Secondly, when is the last time we heard of any of those leaders, either local, national or global, condemn any of the actions of the terrorists (who last time I checked were of middle east backgrounds)? Maybe when they get a bit more vocal, then I'll get more concerned by their pucker factors. Then again, if the terrorist activities continue by Arabs, I'll remain totally unmoved (and even more pissed off).

Besides, I thought we were only looking to question them not send them to Gitmo which might not be a bad idea either.

For what it's worth, the letters to the editor in the Sunday paper were overwhelmingly condemning those leaders. Finally some rational thought in that part of the country.

timeliness

2007-08-23T06:57:00.000-07:00

How about that?

CNBC had a brief interview, this morning,with the guy who is head of a group (cannot remember the name) that watches gov't spending. They were discussing the very topic I addressed in yesterday's ramblins.

The fellow was talking about how the congressman, from Minnesota no less, had included in the huge highway bill 2 years ago $25 billion for road repair. Evidently at that time, congress knew that there were 6,000+ problem bridges. He also added, as an earmark, a bunch of $ (millions) to pave a trail.

Now he's introducing legislation to raise ANOTHER $25 billion for bridge repair and paying with an increase in the gas tax. He also has the gall to indicate that there will be no earmarks attached to this bill. (What a stand-up guy!)

He's been invited to CNBC's Squawk Box to explain further. So far no response from our esteemed legislator.

What the hell happened to the original $25 billion?

As a repeat, who's minding the store?

politicians

2007-08-22T14:08:00.000-07:00

Wonder why it's taken so long about writing about politicians? Maybe I was trying to be optimistic that they wouldn't do anything that would cause a pissed off ramblin. Well, that ain't going to happen. There's something everyday, and one really doesn't have to do much searching to find it.

It's a really bad deal in Minnesota with the bridge collapse. There's probably a lot of blame to go around, and I'm sure there will be plenty of lawsuits as a result.

But that's not what this is about. Rather it's some politicians' call for an increase in the national gas tax for bridge repair. Let me get this straight. Didn't Congress pass a major transportation bill in the recent past? Wasn't it for a huge amount of $? Hasn't Congress passed a zillion transportation bills over the years? Any $ for bridge repair? (Who knows as reading the 14 billion pages of the bills will take maybe 15 years; and by then, no one will remember what's in em anyway.)

Ok so maybe no one knew bridges were in such disrepair. Tough call if you've been out in left field for so many years. (Probably the same crew who have been ignoring the failing infrastructure in major cities.) So I'll overlook that minor detail. But is it the same bunch of bozos who have been passing all this critical spending for "bridges to nowhere" and such other vital needs? HMMMM reckon so.

Now they are interested in raising a tax. Guess the thinking goes as nobody will notice if it's a small increase like $0.05/gallon. Maybe so, but if the state passes a tax, then the county, then the city, pretty soon you're talking a pretty nice increase. (Seems to me we're taxed out the wazoo anyway.)

But I digress, shouldn't somebody be minding the store? What about looking at some priorities? Think about the good of the country for once, for pity's sake. Stop all this foolishness and pork.

And one wonders why Congress's approval is in the ......ter

I say "throw ALL the lying, cheatin bastards out!"

Oh by the way, lazy bastard count is currently 5. You'll know what I mean.

sky is falling

2007-08-16T13:14:00.000-07:00

Anyone watching CNBC the last few days? If anyone wants to get a flavor as to how the media can get things whipped into a frenzy, just tune into CNBC. Death and destruction, disease and pestilence. If the Fed doesn't act, we're into the crapper. If they do act, a bailout of the risk-takers is taking place. Where are the voices of reason? I wish Maria and Jim Cramer would shut the hell up!

(But not to worry, they are showing commercials for Mercedes on the summer love event campaign at least 4 times an hour if not more. Man that jingle can get on one's nerves)

Oh yeah, the voices of reason, they're the candidates for president or all the politicians. Not going to go there. Not worth the time to get ramblin. Will surely get to that in the future though.

What to draw the ramblins out then? The London woman who claims to be the legitimate mother of Michael Jackson's children? Zoos in a pickle over horse meat? New Orleans official guilty in bribery (as if that's news)? NO?

Then let's go for tax breaks going the wrong way.

Evidently there were large federal tax breaks after Hurrican Katrina designed to spur rebuilding. Well guess what? There are 10 condo projects in and around Tuscaloosa, Al.

Not that that's bad (writers note, I have a certain fondness for Bama), but many are going for $1million and being purchased by real-estate investors planning to rent em out. Funny how some units are close to the football stadium and have "granite countertops, king-size bathtubs and 'Bama decor, including crimson couches and Bear Bryant wall art."

I'm sure there are many other projects that are worthwhile projects, such as the $8mm shopping center in Slidell, LA. And I know those investors are subject to the market going to hell; but damn! By the way, this tax break ain't available to people who buy a home for their own use. It's been 2 years and seems that little has been done to get that region back on track. This sure doesn't seem like the way to go about it!

And another ramblin. Back to commercials. First, with the exception of the Super Bowl, they're dull, boring and a waste of time. Add into that, the fact that some stations, CNBC for one, play the beejesus out of em. Anyone who has heard that obnoxious one for ETrade with Rick Derringer over and over and over again is one with a potential to go postal. (Is going postal politically correct or I am going to offend postal workers? Does anyone care?) Finally, it seems that one cannot get through any show without being inundated with commerical after commercial after commercial. No wonder that TIVO or cable recording has become so popular.

So....have a nice day. More later

newspaper

2007-08-09T12:25:00.000-07:00

Allrighty then.

All one has to do is read the newspapers to find all sorts of things to get the juices flowing.

Take for instance the story about a local zoo. They have 4 Maasai, "a nomadic ethnic group that lives in southern Kenya and Tanzania" employed as cultural intrepreters who help "zoo visitors understand the relationship between animals and people in Africa, and the need to protect the environment there."

Now it seems to me to be a excellent idea to have those who are actually from Kenya tell stories about their culture.

I guess that doesn't sit well with some people at the local university who suggest that the zoo's use of Maasai "is insensitive and harkens back to the days when zoos... used people of color as accessories to exhibits."

Hold it! Hold it! Hold it! This ain't the 60's. The lead Maasai has a bachelor's degree and said he's upset that some are using the Maasai's history as "a vehicle to race issues." Do I need to add anything else? Get a grip!

And another one. This is from USA Today and was in the little blurbs about news in the states.

In Washington State (where else?), a judge dismissed charges against 13 war protestors, ruling that the police were practing crowd control and not directing traffic. Evidently police who are directing traffic can arrest those who don't comply with their orders; but if they're not doing specifically that, the arrests are invalid.

Sweet mother-of pearl, heaven forbid that someone in that group didn't shoot someone! Wonder what would have happened if one of the military trucks had run over one of those protestors? Whom do you think the newspapers would have blamed? LAWSUIT

Where has common sense gone?

I'm kinda liking this blog stuff

Til later

introduction

2007-08-07T14:03:00.000-07:00

Ah the Grassy Knoll

Welcome to the initial ramblins. Much thought has gone into how to get started.

First off: Don't let the "pissed off" in the heading fool you. Not going to be just concentrating on those topics that whip me into a puckered up frenzy (plenty though they are and may be). However, many items of joy, happiness and wonderment will be addressed and enjoyed. But it's likely that a pissed off venting may pop up as an aside.

Second: What exactly is the "grassy knoll"? It's only a location (and hell no, it ain't got anything to do with JFK in any way.) and a fine one at that. A place for much thought and contemplation, a place where solitude is welcome (rarely, if ever, are cell phones welcome but that's another blog subject). But it's also a spot where friends and family can gather and enjoy the view and each other's company.

Most of the time, if not all of the time, visits to the gassy knoll are accompanied with a beverage of choice. Mine is that fine Tennessee whiskey, Jack Daniel's. The ramblins seem to come much more freely. At any rate...... Oh, and a fine cigar certainly adds to the thought process. My cousin's husband presented a concept cigar for the intial post, and I'll be enjoying that shortly.

Now, the first topic. Should it be cell phone use in the restroom, politicians, airlines, dumbass left lane drivers, lying politicians, people who leave grocery carts in the parking lots, junk mail, the education system, (did I mention politicians?) service people who don't show up and don't have the common decency to call. The list can go on and on, hence the heading "pissed off".

But no, the opening topic is family. My sisters and their husbands were here over the weekend, and we had a blast. My children, their spouses and their children will be here in Sept, a time for which I really looking forward. I'm truly blessed with a fabulous family. My only disappointment is that my parents, neice and nephews (let's hear it for bro-han time) couldn't be here.

Ok, now for the pissed off part. For all you people who aren't taking care of your family, particularly and especially children, and I don't mean just physically, you shoud be beat. That's not to imply that there aren't circumstances where a really bad situation results in a complete separation. Sorry it got to that point but it has and now time to move along. It's a 2-way street, like all other relationships; and when it gets to the 1-way road, time to move on. The one responsible for that 1 -way direction is the one who should be beat; and if it's you that caused it, tough. You're the one who should be beat.

The one precious resource we have is children, and we should be doing all we can to protect (not coddle), educate and prepare them for the world ahead. It's tough out there and not always fair; but we, as parents and adults (and acting as parents and adults), should govern ourselves accordingly.

Enough for the first outing. So in the immortal words of an advertisor of TV wrestling show in the, well it was a long, long time ago "If you don't know diamonds, know your jeweler; and if Harold says "it's so", it's so."

So long and stay tuned